Carlos Tevez takes a trip down memory lane

[Magic8Ball]

'Lately the ball's gone in'

 

Carlos Tevez takes a trip down memory lane before revealing the secret behind his transformed footballing fortunes

Marcela Mora y Araujo

May 18, 2007 2:37 PM

 

Several years ago the Football Association organised a three-way Under-16 friendly between England, France and Argentina. Argentina sent a squad of 14-year-olds because Jose Pekerman and Hugo Tocalli, then in charge of youth development, felt it would be a good introduction for the youngsters: How to behave in a hotel, how things work in other countries, a taste of the facilities at a training ground... that kind of thing.

 

Most of those boys had never even been on an airplane before; many had never set foot outside Argentina. Tocalli allowed me to travel to Wembley in the coach with the kids, and subsequently to sit on the bench. As the coach drove into what was then the world's football cathedral, one of boys stood with his mouth wide open: "What the f*** are we doing here!?" he gasped. They took on their English opponents - a couple of years older and a several inches taller - nervously but bravely.

 

Before the game I had asked Tocalli which one of them I should look out for in years to come. Was there one who would definitely make it? Without hesitation he had pointed to the small, stocky, cheeky clown joking about with a ball. A boy with a noticeable scar running along the side of his face, all the way down his neck and torso: Carlitos Tevez.

 

Carlitos scored at Wembley. "That was my first goal in the Argentina strip," he told me recently, his eyes full of delight at the memory. When Tevez and Javier Mascherano signed for West Ham at the beginning of the season, initial optimism soon waned. In a confusing and confused deal, the details of which remained undisclosed, their last minute transfer grabbed the headlines. Although in their very early twenties, both players arrived hailed as internationals of the highest calibre, having stunned the world in the World Cup playing for an Argentina side committed to all the traditional tricks of the national game. Despite going out in the quarter-finals, they were arguably the best team in the tournament.

 

Sitting in a front room at the West Ham training ground, both young men were full of hopes and dreams relating to their new life. But things quickly went from bad to worse. By January, Mascherano appeared to have lost the will to do anything. Mostly stuck in the reserves, he was bewildered. "There's some problem here which goes beyond football," he declared. "I have never complained, I have always turned up for training, I am giving my all to the reserves. I don't get it." His move to Liverpool has plucked him out of that despair and left him nicely positioned in a midfield line-up about to contest the Champions League final. Talk about a turnabout.

 

Still at West Ham, Carlitos was a more regular presence in the first team, but for all his skills he was not finding the goal. Then in spite of a timely and terrific scoring run, the club found themselves facing relegation. So here we had the little boy with the scar, who had scored at Wembley against England U-16s aged 14, who had won two leagues in Argentina and Brazil, who had played in the World Cup with the same gusto as he had in the vacant lots of his deprived childhood... facing relegation.

 

Undeterred, last Sunday Carlitos took to the pitch at Old Trafford like the little bull that he is. With a potency not unlike that of the young Ronaldo from Brazil (a player he truly admires "even now ... always ... stick by him through and through") Carlitos managed it once again*: pechito ... amague... pared ... gambeta ... sombrerito ... chanfle ...goal!

 

Some goals mean a lot, some make no difference to the end result. This one was special - the saviour of so many on so many levels. As the ball hit the back of the net, Carlitos secured his rightful place at the top table of the West Ham pantheon. "To not be relegated was incredible for us," Carlitos told me this week, shortly before departing for Buenos Aires, where he hopes to go watch Boca play and finalise the contractual details of a movie about his life. "We'd been written off as dead," he laughs. "Absolutely incredible."

 

When I ask him what changed from the beginning of the season to now, his reply is simple. "I've played the same all the time," he explains. "Lately, the ball's gone in. At the beginning it wasn't. I always look for the goal and I haven't done anything different. Sometimes the ball goes in, sometimes it doesn't."

 

He will not be dragged into discussion of the change of management, claiming "all managers are different and I just try to get as much juice from each one as a I can." Nor will he discuss a future change of club. "I'm cool," he says. "I like West Ham, I will always be grateful for what they have given me, particularly the fans. They have supported me throughout." One thing is certain - he feels enriched by the experience of the Premiership. "Such different cultures," he sighs. "In this league you always have to be 100% you know and physically fit," he says. "It's so demanding, physically - your body has to be up to it."

 

Meanwhile in Liverpool, Javier Mascherano's eventful season is not over yet. Delighted to be once again part of the elite, Javi is less of a skilful dribbler in the romantic Argentinian sense of the term. But he has found a squad in which he fits and has made an important contribution so far. What's more, those around the world rooting for Liverpool to crown themselves European champions for a sixth time can count a new recruit among their number, for Carlitos Tevez will be cheering his former team-mate. "No doubt about it," he grins. "Liverpool to win ... I'm with Javi on this one."

 

Good luck to them both.

 

*Argentinian football for dummies:*

 

Pechito = to trap the ball with the chest; amague = dummy; gambeta = dribbling with a certain 'je ne sais quoi'; pared = one-two;

sombrerito = to kick the ball over the opponent and retrieve on the other side; chanfle = to strike with the side of the foot

 

 

source

[JonShar]

I would really, really like us to sign this fella.

 

Strong, plays between the lines but knows how to score a goal too, and tons of character.

 

Granted he's probably a bit mental too, but that's alright.

[Maldini]

I like mental footballers as long as they can contain it, ie: Carra

[Magic8Ball]

Tevez doesn't shrink or hide, according to Masherano failure is not in his vocabulary, players like that can make also rans champions

he has the skill, the pace and plays in a position where we are crying out for someone.

 

In one of Pennants interviews he related how Rafa was testing him with rotation to see if he gave up and moved on or fought harder

Pennant believes he's showing the boss he wants to stay, fight and succeed. Tevez is a Rafa player, Smart, skillful, fearless and he wont hide

 

If you guys want to dream imagine Tevez and Eto'o playing in front of Kewell, Alonso, Masherano and Gerrard

 

 

 

 

 

Undeterred, last Sunday Carlitos took to the pitch at Old Trafford like the little bull that he is. With a potency not unlike that of the young Ronaldo from Brazil (a player he truly admires "even now ... always ... stick by him through and through") Carlitos managed it once again*: pechito ... amague... pared ... gambeta ... sombrerito ... chanfle ...goal!

 

*Argentinian football for dummies:*

 

Pechito = to trap the ball with the chest; amague = dummy; gambeta = dribbling with a certain 'je ne sais quoi'; pared = one-two;

sombrerito = to kick the ball over the opponent and retrieve on the other side; chanfle = to strike with the side of the foot

Edited May 18, 2007 by Magic8Ball

[Euphrates]

I remember watching him in the 2004 Olympics for Argentina. He scored 8 goals and was involved in most of the other 9 Argentina scored in the tournament.

[Snookie]

I've rambled before about how much much I like Tevez and that article doesnt change a thing. I'd love to see him in a Liverpool shirt as he is a player blessed with skill, heart and footballing intelligence.

 

The quality of the article confirms Marcela Mora y Araujo as one of the best football writers around at the moment. I always love reading her stuff. I also like the fact that she takes the time to respond to comments about her blog pieces.

[SkippyjonJones]

he's a worker.... that'll appeal to rafa..

[Scally Bob]

Tevez has said that he wants to join a "European giant" in the summer.

 

So if he stays in England, it's us-especially as our nearest rivals were beaten by Yeovil in the play-offs.

[don1980]

Tevez has said that he wants to join a "European giant" in the summer.

 

So if he stays in England, it's us-especially as our nearest rivals were beaten by Yeovil in the play-offs.

 

[Magic8Ball]

The two players remain friends and keep in touch with each other. Javier says Tevez was determined to help West Ham to survive the drop: "I speak to Carlitos nearly every week. I am very glad for him because in the end he finally managed to achieve what he had promised to himself and everyone at West Ham. He said he was not going to give up until he helped West Ham to avoid relegation. Personally, I think that if West Ham had been relegated, he would have been ready to stay with them to help the team get back to the Premiership. He might be a star, but he also has a lot of humility."

 

Tevez now wants to leave West Ham though, he wants to do what his friend has done and move to a bigger club. Mascherano was asked whether reports linking Tevez with a move to Anfield were true: "He hasn't said anything to me personally about it, but I would love it," said Javier. "It would be great for me and for the club. I can't imagine any team in the world not wanting Tevez. He is a great player and Liverpool are a great club, so of course he would be very welcome here. But from what I'm hearing, I think that Liverpool will find it hard to compete with the other offers that West Ham are apparently receiving for him. I think it will be too much money. And I don't know what he wants. Maybe he is keen to play in another country."Masherano wants Tevez at Anfield

[Earl Hafler]

Telegraph linking him with us for £20m

[Magic8Ball]

Chelsea join Real in the race to sign £40m Tevez

By Jason Burt

Published: 21 May 2007

 

Chelsea have entered the bidding to sign Carlos Tevez although they are facing strong competition from Real Madrid. The two clubs are the only ones to have made serious inquiries about the 23-year-old Argentine, although West Ham United are hoping he will stay at Upton Park for at least one more season.

 

Tevez's representative Kia Joorabchian has yet to inform West Ham of his intentions - or what transfer fee he wants for the player - although it is hoped that a meeting may take place as early as this week with the club's chairman Eggert Magnusson.

 

It could be that if neither Chelsea nor Real meet the asking price - which sources claim could be anywhere between £20m and £40m - that a deal may be structured to keep Tevez at Upton Park. That would undoubtedly be met with a further outcry from clubs who have questioned the £5.5m fine meted out to West Ham over the controversial signing of Tevez and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano last summer, and the non-disclosure of the full terms of the agreement.

 

So far Liverpool - for whom Mascherano now plays - and Manchester United have not lodged interest in Tevez, who was West Ham's player of the season. The club holds his registration and has torn up the agreement with Joorabchian and the companies which own Tevez's "economic rights" so, in theory, they could receive a transfer fee. However, this will not happen as it would certainly lead to West Ham being successfully sued by Joorabchian and MSI.

 

Despite the problems caused by his arrival, West Ham want Tevez to stay and believe it may be in his interests to do so. He has settled and, having avoided relegation, there are ambitions plans in place to push for Europe next season.

 

However, the allure of Chelsea or Real will be hard to resist for Tevez who gave a press conference on Friday, following his return to Argentina, at which he said it was time for him to "join a European giant". However, he added that "despite any offer that could arrive, what I want to say is that West Ham has priority".

 

Chelsea were offered the player last year and if Tevez arrived at Stamford Bridge, it would be part of the re-building process that has now started in earnest following Saturday's FA Cup final victory over United.

 

The win should also mean that manager Jose Mourinho remains for at least another year, although owner Roman Abramovich has still to express that he definitely wants to keep Mourinho. On Saturday night, sources indicated this would happen soon and Mourinho was almost certain to earn a reprieve. Abramovich was at Wembley on Saturday and Joe Cole confirmed that the billionaire had visited the dressing room after the match, something he has not done since falling out with Mourinho. "Roman came in and celebrated with us," Cole said. "It was nice to see him."

 

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon yesterday reiterated Mourinho's claim that three players are expected to leave and up to four players arrive. He also repeated the assertion that "I doubt we'll have big-name signings because I don't think we need it". Chelsea are not planning to spend the tens of millions of previous seasons although Tevez, or another top-quality striker, could prove to be the exception.

 

Reading's Steve Sidwell is expected to arrive on a Bosman free transfer - although Newcastle United will make one last attempt to intervene when he returns from holiday - while, despite Mourinho's objections, Chelsea have begun to apply for a work permit for the defender Alex from PSV Eindhoven.

 

Agent Pini Zahavi is still hopeful he can persuade Chelsea to sign Talal Ben Haim from Bolton Wanderers but the Israeli is also wanted by Newcastle.

 

Glen Johnson has returned from his loan spell at Portsmouth while the Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy is hoping to move to Chelsea. He would not play for South Africa if he did move and therefore would not be at next year's African Nations Cup for which Chelsea might lose four players including Didier Drogba.

 

Kenyon insisted that neither Michael Ballack nor Andrei Shevchenko will be sold despite their indifferent seasons. "I'm confident they're going to be here as big players with Chelsea next season," he said. "They want to contribute a lot more, they feel they have a lot more to give. It takes time to settle in."

 

Chelsea will re-open contract talks with John Terry and Frank Lampard, who both want improved deals and insisted after Saturday's game that they wanted to stay. Terry said that suggestions he was to hand in a transfer request were "ludicrous" adding: "Now the season's over I'd like to see things get sorted out." Lampard said his "intention" was to remain at Chelsea "for life".

 

However, Chelsea will not give into the demands of Arjen Robben. The Dutch winger not only wants a new contract but assurances he will play more regularly. However, despite links with a move to Bayern Munich, he said he would remain at Chelsea next season.

source

[mally]

what's spanish for "back in the day..."

[ManxRed]

Backo in the dayo?

[Magic8Ball]

Mascherano: Liverpool move for Tevez is possible

tribalfooball.com - May 24, 2007

 

Javier Mascherano knows his former West Ham teammate Carlos Tevez is talking about a move to Liverpool.

The Reds midfielder revealed "It's possible he will come. I would love to have him by my side as a player and a friend.

 

"After managing to keep West Ham in the Premiership, he has a lot of possibilities to move to a big club in Europe.

 

"When we talk we avoid discussing moves but I know he's talking about a probable move to Liverpool. He would be a barbarian!"

source

 

why don't we just buy out there holding company, it would give us access to all the south american talent and we could make money by selling them on if we dont want them

Edited May 25, 2007 by Magic8Ball

[Magic8Ball]

Duo top of Rafa's wish list Fri, May 25 2007 13:08

Rafa Benitez has targeted West Ham's Carlos Tevez and Palermo's Brazilian striker Amauri as he bids to strengthen his Liverpool squad.

It is understood the pair are the first players the Reds boss has earmarked in what is expected to be a summer of big spending at Anfield.

 

Tevez, who is set to leave the Hammers after helping them avoid relegation, has been linked with the Reds for some time where he would team up again with fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano.

 

26-year-old Amauri is also believed to be on Benitez's list and could be available for less than £5million. The Brazilian has hit eight goals in just 18 Serie A appearances this season and has attracted attention from several sides across Europe after some impressive displays.

 

Benitez has urged new American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to back him in the transfer market this season and has warned players need to be brought in as soon as possible if the Reds are to mount a realistic title challenge next term.

 

"This is a crucial summer for us to do something," he said. "After three years working really hard, we've not progressed enough. I have confidence in the Americans because they say that they will back me, so I must trust them.

 

"But I want to see things happening right now. There are two or three things, issues that we need to resolve right now. I'm tired of talking, talking.

 

"We talk and talk but we never finish. I am worried about talking to players, for one or two months or even six months, and then losing them. I want things to be done."

 

He added: "It's not about working in August - forget it. You'll lose your targets then. We have some targets. Some may be cheaper than £20million, but they are top-class players. But we have one or two very clear options we are pursuing.

 

"If we don't do the right things right now, we'll miss the opportunity and next season we'll be talking about being third or fourth, being 20 points, 15 points behind next year." source

[Magic8Ball]

Tevez to exit West Ham over rift with Curbishley

 

 

Jamie Jackson and Denis Campbell

Sunday May 27, 2007

Guardian Unlimited

 

Carlos Tevez, West Ham's controversial Argentine striker, is keen to leave the club because of differences with manager Alan Curbishley. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all considering a move for Tevez, who scored seven goals in the Hammers' last 10 Premiership games of the season to help keep them in the top flight.

 

According to a West Ham insider, Tevez will not consider staying at Upton Park as long as Curbishley is in charge. 'Tevez likes the club and wants to stay,' the source said, 'but he won't while Alan Curbishley is the manager. He hasn't forgotten how he was treated when Curbishley first took over from Alan Pardew. He told Tevez he didn't know what his best position was, treated him indifferently in training, and refused to play him at first.'

 

 

Curbishley left the 23-year-old on the bench for his first game in charge, a 1-0 win over Manchester United in December, and it was a month before he named Tevez in a starting line-up in the Premiership.

 

'If there was a change of manager maybe it would be different,' the source added, 'but Tevez does not think Curbishley knows what he is doing and that he's a bad manager. He wants to play for someone who can further develop his game. Curbishley recognises now that Tevez saved our season, but it's too late.'

 

Tevez, who has won 25 caps for Argentina and played for them in last year's World Cup finals, was the subject of a £31million bid from Inter Milan while at Brazilian club Corinthians in 2005, and it is believed that a similar figure will be demanded for him this summer.

 

He could follow Nigel Reo-Coker out of West Ham after the club's captain handed in a transfer request. According to Reo-Coker's adviser, Tony Finnigan, the midfielder has decided to move after he was not given the right assurances over his future by the club's board.

 

Meanwhile, Sheffield United will be formally thrown out of the Premier League this week if they do not give up their place voluntarily, despite their efforts to prove that West Ham should have been relegated instead of them because of the Tevez affair.

 

The Blades are refusing to relinquish their share in the League as the row over Tevez's eligibility, and West Ham's signing of him and fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, rumbles on.

 

link

 

It's all coming together rather nicely ( so long as Tevez ends up here )

Edited May 26, 2007 by Magic8Ball

[Guest Portly]

why don't we just buy out there holding company, it would give us access to all the south american talent and we could make money by selling them on if we dont want them

 

Hmmmm ..... I don't think the FA would be too keen on that idea!

[Magic8Ball]

SIGN TEV, WIN TITLE

Exclusive by Darren Lewis 29/05/2007

 

HERNAN CRESPO says whoever buys Carlos Tevez will win their league next season.

 

The Chelsea forward, on loan at Inter Milan, believes his fellow Argentinian has proven himself one of football's most reliable strikers by helping to save West Ham from relegation.

 

Liverpool have Tevez, valued at £25million, on their wish list, while Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are interested, as well as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

 

 

Tevez scored seven goals in 10 games, including the strike that beat United on the last day of the season.

 

Crespo said: "Carlos has shown he can adapt. He has all the qualities to become a champion. The team which buys him instantly has the conditions to win their championship.

 

"Not only can he score goals, he can also fight for what he believes in."link

 

There is a quote in the telegraph agreeing with me saying - it's the supply line to the forwards that needs to improve - Tevez is the man !!

[Guest Anders Honoré]

I was uncertain about him earlier but the way he has finished the season, I just want to sign him now.

 

Get him by the end of the week, thank you very much Foster.

[floyd]

Darren Lewis

the absolute worst journalist out their. (just ahead of Alan Nixon and Ian McGarry)

[Magic8Ball]

A plan worked to perfection as diminutive dynamo Tévez is tailed by Europe?s elite

 

Post a Comment � | Send this page to a friend | Print this page 30th May, 2007. By Matthew Day

 

Carlos Tevez looks set to leave West Ham Manchester United twice rejected the chance to sign Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano, but there will be a lingering regret 12 months on as the duo prosper on English shores. Their total value is estimated to be in excess of £50m now and Media Sport Investments' seemingly unworkable strategy is set to pay dividends, both for the controversial third party and the club they dealt with, West Ham United.

 

Mascherano found his feet after moving to Liverpool on an 18-month loan deal, becoming an integral part of Rafa Benítez?s plans and he was the best player wearing red during the defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League final. He and Tévez were always bound to make it in Europe; their technical ability is outstanding and it has led them to be proclaimed as the finest of Argentina's exciting new generation.

 

However, standout displays in South America did not automatically mean lucrative offers from England, Italy or Spain as anticipated by MSI. A series of events, including threats to Tévez's family in Brazil from some of the ultra supporters groups, triggered the surprise move across the Atlantic Ocean quicker than expected, and after being rebuffed by Manchester United amongst others, a deal was hastily arranged with West Ham.

 

Tévez?s hunt for a goal went on and on as the Hammers fell and fell while a row over his best position with Alan Curbishley appeared to prematurely end his career in East London; the former Charlton boss didn't play 'Carlitos' for a month, but results failed to improve and Tévez was recalled. His impact was immense: he continued to work like a terrier but as the season progressed, goals started to come and a transfer away looked inevitable.

 

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has naturally stated his desire to keep the 23-year-old as the club hunt for a European position in 2008, but both Tévez and MSI are keen to maximise his value as soon as possible. Chelsea and Liverpool, along with Manchester United, have been most closely linked with the ex-Boca Juniors star, who says remaining in England is a distinct probability.

 

"I don't have any preferences about where I'll play - my desire is to continue playing football and I don't mind if it's in England or in another league. One of the things I like most about English football is the contact you have with the fans. It's special to be able to celebrate goals by going to the crowd and hugging some of them. If I have to stay in England it wouldn't be inconvenient because I feel completely adapted. The last three months I felt really good in England, very comfortable."

 

Tévez admits, "I don't know if I'm worth £40m," and unless an exceptional bidding war breaks out, the figure may be nearer the £25m mark. Real Madrid and Juventus are also keeping track of his availability, although a transfer to the capital of Spain is said to be extremely unlikely. Juve, however, having earned promotion back into Serie A and with Marcello Lippi set to take over as their new coach, are ready to spend. Some see the Old Lady as his likeliest destination because Tévez is only second choice for the trio of interested English clubs; the inflated price meaning purchasing him represents a big risk when comparable targets cost less.

 

Yet Chelsea and Liverpool can afford to take this gamble. At the latter, Tévez would assimilate immediately with Benítez?s Hispanic contingent, and if the coach employs the Ciudadela-born forward exclusively as a goalscorer, he would surely replicate his Corinthians form, where he netted 25 times in 38 appearances.

 

Transfer rumours have centred on the likes of Samuel Eto'o, David Villa and Fernando Torres, even commenting that Tévez could be utilised behind one of these frontmen in a Wayne Rooney-type role. However, it would be both an expensive and implausible venture ? so is Tévez alone the man Benítez is searching for? And does he justify a £25m outlay?

 

The Argentine is not top of Benítez?s striker wish-list, but ultimately may be the only one available come the start of the new season. The ex-Valencia coach acknowledges this fact; Tévez could be bought with ease compared with some of the more mouth-watering names aforementioned. Nonetheless, his overall goalscoring record is superior to Torres?s and similar to that of Villa, though La Liga is considered a far tougher league.

 

According to latest reports, Tévez will not stay at West Ham as long as Curbishley is manager, and Manchester United are ready to enter the bidding fray as they also desperately search for a prolific striker, though Torres remains high on Sir Alex Ferguson's priority list having come close to signing him during last summer's World Cup.

 

For the English trio, and Real Madrid, Tévez is a solid reserve option if they cannot attract their prime targets. Eto'o might cost more than £30m, Torres has a buyout clause of 40m euros (£28m) but purportedly will be sold for less than this, and Valencia are desperate to hold onto Villa, but their resolve would be tested with a bid of more than £30m.

 

Florent Malouda wants out of Lyon and reports say Benítez is interested, primarily because he would cost only around £10m. Yet the French international is not the sort of predatory striker Liverpool supporters crave. He has scored just 25 times in 136 appearances for Lyons ? though Benítez has stated that a prolific forward is not necessarily the solution to the club's failings.

 

MSI are dreaming of a major windfall but whether any club on the continent believe forking out £25m for Tévez is worthwhile is a moot point. The prodigy might eventually head out on loan, like compatriot Mascherano, if he cannot resolve his differences with Curbishley at West Ham and no suitable bid is made over the next three months.

 

Tévez has made a name for himself in England and consequently attracted interest from Europe's elite ? but are they willing to take an almighty risk and stump up what MSI consider value for money?

 

link

 

Think the Journo's english is off with that comment on Malouda ( he's a winger ) but hey